The Sims 4 has long been a beloved platform for players to create and manage their dream worlds, complete with families, careers, and homes. For many, pets are an integral part of this virtual life, adding a layer of warmth and companionship that mirrors real-life experiences. While expansions like Cats & Dogs, My First Pet Stuff, and Horse Ranch provide a solid foundation for incorporating pets into Sims' lives, mods can enhance gameplay with more detailed, personalized, and engaging pet interactions.

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These mods offer a range of enhancements — from adding new animals to adding new jobs and careers. Whether players are looking to deepen the bond between Sims and their pets or add new layers of realism and fun to their gameplay, these mods are sure to provide exciting new possibilities.

12 Pet Immortality Trait

Eternal Companionship: Pets That Never Say Goodbye

The new immortal trait from the Pet Immortality Trait mod in create-a-sim

Everyone wishes pets could live forever. This dream can become a reality with the Pet Immortality Traitmod. This simple, yet invaluable, mod introduces a new "Immortal" trait that can be applied to pets in Create-A-Sim. No more tearful goodbyes or watching the Grim Reaper come for Sims' furry friends.

The Immortality trait allows players to hold onto their precious pets forever. By adding this trait, pets will never need to age up or age at all. This way, Sims can ensure that their pets remain a constant source of happiness and comfort. It's a small tweak with a huge impact, making it a must-have for any player who values the unending love and loyalty of their Sims' pets. If only we could equip this trait in real life.

11 Hide Or Reveal Pet Quirks

Unveil the Secrets of Sims' Furry Friends

The visible quirks that can be shown in the simology panel with the Hide Or Reveal Pet Quirks mod

In The Sims 4, pets can develop endearing and sometimes challenging quirks, such as being Obsessed With the TV or Afraid of the Dishwasher. These unique personality traits add a layer of realism to Sims pets, mirroring the quirky behaviors of real-life animals; however, the base game does not allow players to see these quirks, leaving some of the pets' behaviors a mystery and making it harder to address their specific needs.

That's where the Hide or Reveal Pet Quirks mod comes in. This handy mod allows players to view all of their pets' quirks directly in the simology panel, just like they would with a Sim's traits. Whether players are dealing with a dog obsessed with swimming or a pyrophobic cat, this mod provides the transparency needed to strengthen the bond with Sims' pets.

10 Atmospheric Default Eyes

Enchanting Eyes: Windows To A Playful Soul

A dog and a cat with the base game eyes and the new Atmospheric Default Eyes from the mod

The Atmospheric Default Eyes mod brings a captivating transformation to pets by simply enhancing the quality of their eyes. Say goodbye to the cold and lifeless eyes of the Cats & Dogs pack. This mod ensures that Sims and their pets can share moments of true connection through their gaze.

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With improved eye textures, your pets' eyes will now reflect a depth and warmth that makes interactions feel more genuine and heartfelt, whether you're playing with a playful puppy, a curious cat, or a majestic horse. Players can choose from nine different eye colors and options for heterochromia, allowing for a personalized touch and added charm to each pet's appearance.

9 Small Animal Packages

Tiny Creatures, Big Adventures

Three small animals and their enclosures from the Small Animal Packages mods

The Small Animal Packages introduce an exciting array of small animals, building upon the small animal options from the My Pet Stuff pack. These two mod packs collectively add 20 different types of small animals, each available in several color varieties. The first pack includes delightful rodents like squirrels, chinchillas, guinea pigs, bunnies, ferrets, sugar gliders, degus, lemmings, chipmunks, and gerbils.

The second pack adds additional rodents like skinks, long-ear rabbits, mini pigs, and flying squirrels, along with reptiles and amphibians like leopard geckos, bearded dragons, chameleons, tortoises, giant day geckos, iguanas. Each small animal comes in 3-4 different color varieties, providing ample customization to match your Sims' preferences and home décor. In addition to the new selection of animals, the mod also updates the existing animal enclosures by adding six natural recolors per pack.

8 Three Legged Furrends

Representing Resilient Furry Friends

A three-legged dog and a three-legged cat, which can be made with the Three Legged Furrends mod

The Three Legged Furrends mod offers a unique and heartfelt addition to The Sims 4, allowing players to create three-legged cats and dogs. This cosmetic mod provides a way to represent pets who have lost a leg, adding a layer of realism and inclusivity to the game. This option can be easily found in the full-body clothing section of Create-A-Sim, making it straightforward to customize your furry friends.

This mod is especially significant for players who wish to recreate their own three-legged pets in the game, offering a personal touch to their virtual households. It also opens up storytelling possibilities, allowing players to craft narratives around pets with unique challenges and resilience. Whether honoring a real-life pet or exploring new storylines, this mod provides a meaningful way to celebrate the strength and adaptability of three-legged animals.

7 Pets Seasons Package

Fashion And Comfort For Every Season

New clothing and accesssories from the Pets Seasons Package mod on cats and dogs

The Pets Seasons Package mod is a collection of custom content items designed to enhance the wardrobes of Sims' pets, perfectly aligning with the aesthetics of The Sims 4: Seasons. Cats and dogs get an array of fashionable accessories, including hats, sunglasses, and scarves. In addition, it introduces boots, a raincoat, a winter coat, and a onesie for pets to dress appropriately for the weather.

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Beyond clothing, the mod also includes a new pet bed that comes complete with an umbrella, ensuring pets stay shaded and dry during rainy days. This thoughtful detail enhances the living environment for pets and makes them comfortable and content regardless of the weather. This mod seamlessly integrates with the overall look and feel of the Seasons expansion and ensures pets are well-prepared and looking their best for every season.

6 Foster Family

Opening Sims' Homes To Pets In Need

Notifications and menus found in the Foster Family mod and a Sim holding a puppy

The Foster Family mod brings a heartwarming and engaging new dynamic to The Sims 4 by allowing Sims to become part of the Foster Family Network. This mod allows Sims to care for toddlers, children, teens, or pets in need of a foster family. Players can receive notifications when a pet requires a temporary home or manually check through the phone menu.

Focusing primarily on pets, this foster system enriches gameplay by allowing players to tell touching stories about fostering and adopting animals. Whether Sims are opening their hearts and homes to a new furry friend or helping pets find their forever families, the mod adds depth and warmth to Sims' lives. This mod is perfect for players who want to create meaningful narratives centered around the themes of compassion, care, and the transformative power of adoption.

5 Pet Assignments And Jobs

Pets That Work For Their Keep

New rabbit hole experiences from the Pet Assignments And Jobs mod, including an office job, healthy care, and the pet star studio

In real life, pets live rent-free in our homes. Ever thought they should start paying their share? The Pet Assignments And Jobs mod introduces five new rabbit-hole experiences inspired by The Sims 2 pet careers. Pets can get an office job, work on a police mission, or shine at the pet star studio. These job opportunities not only add a fun twist to gameplay but also make pets feel like productive members of the family.

Beyond earning money, this mod also includes practical options to help pets take care of themselves. Pets can go to Healthy Care if they are sick, dirty, or hungry and return an hour later completely healthy, clean, and with their needs fulfilled. They can also visit the Pet Training Center to learn new commands such as sit, heel, and play dead. This mod offers a blend of utility and entertainment, allowing pets to support the household while ensuring they remain well-cared for and obedient.

4 Custom Career - Pet Sitter

Care For Pets, Earn A Living

A Sim walking, feeding, and cleaning up after a dog with the Custom Career - Pet Sitter mod

The Custom Career - Pet Sitter mod introduces a new part-time career for Sims who have a passion for caring for animals. This career allows Sims to become professional pet sitters, tending to the needs of cats and dogs while earning a steady income. Open to teens, young adults, adults, and elders, this career is perfect for any Sim who loves animals and wants to share that love in a meaningful way.

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With three levels of progression, Sims can advance from a novice pet sitter to a seasoned professional. Not only does this mod offer a rewarding career path for animal-loving Sims, but it also benefits pets in need of care and attention. By becoming a pet sitter, Sims can provide essential services for the neighborhood's pets, ensuring they are well looked after. This career allows players to create narratives around their Sims' dedication to animal care.

3 Planet Canine Active Doggy Daycare Business

Where Every Day Is A Doggy Play Day

A doggy daycare and a dog for the Planet Canine Doggy Daycare Business career mod

The Planet Canine Active Doggy Daycare Business mod offers Sims the exciting opportunity to own and operate a doggy daycare. This mod allows Sims to attend work at the daycare, where dogs from the neighborhood will begin to show up for care. Sims will earn $50 per dog per day, with payments increasing as their pet training skill level improves. Highly skilled pet trainers can command top dollar for their services.

The daycare business not only provides a steady income but also creates a bustling environment filled with the joyful energy of playful pups. The owner of the business must balance customer satisfaction, employee management, and the well-being of their furry clients. This mod enriches gameplay by blending entrepreneurship with a love for dogs, offering a unique and rewarding career path.

2 Playable Pets

Take Control Of Furry Friends

Two pets that can be controlled using the Playable Pets mod
  • Created By Andrew and Orange Mitten
  • Download Here (Sims 4 Studio)

To many players' misfortune, cats and dogs are not playable characters in The Sims 4. Thankfully, the Playable Petsmod allows players to take direct control of their pets, enabling them to manage their needs and behaviors just like they do with human Sims. By selecting a pet, players can explore various behaviors and interactions, ensuring their pets eat, go outside, play with toys, and more.

It is important to note that this mod is somewhat outdated and may contain bugs. While it significantly enhances gameplay by providing more control over pets, users might encounter occasional glitches and compatibility issues with newer game updates. Despite these drawbacks, the mod remains a popular choice among players who wish to have a more hands-on experience with their Sims' furry companions.

1 Selectable Pets Always

Manage And Care For Pets Effortlessly

A dog getting belly rubs and the dog's needs panel which can be seen using the Selectable Pets Always mod

The Selectable Pets Always mod provides a solution to the bugs present in the Playable Pets mod, offering a more seamless experience for managing pets in The Sims 4. This mod allows players to view and manage their pets' needs just like they would with human Sims. With this feature, players can easily monitor hunger, bladder, energy, and other essential needs, ensuring that their pets are well cared for and happy.

This direct control over pets enhances gameplay and makes it easier to maintain a harmonious and well-functioning household. This mod can also help if a pet becomes trapped in a locked area. Players can now teleport them out with ease, preventing frustration and ensuring the pet's safety. This mod streamlines pet care and interaction, making it a valuable addition for players who want a more hands-on approach to their Sims' pets without the frequent bugs and errors of earlier mods.

the sims 4 poster
The Sims 4

Franchise
The Sims
Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
September 2, 2014
Developer(s)
Maxis
Publisher(s)
Electronic Arts